King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 14:11 Mean?

1 Chronicles 14:11 in the King James Version says “So they came up to Baalperazim; and David smote them there. Then David said, God hath broken in upon mine enemies by min... — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

So they came up to Baalperazim; and David smote them there. Then David said, God hath broken in upon mine enemies by mine hand like the breaking forth of waters: therefore they called the name of that place Baalperazim. Baalperazim: that is, A place of breaches

1 Chronicles 14:11 · KJV


Context

9

And the Philistines came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.

10

And David enquired of God, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? and wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto him, Go up; for I will deliver them into thine hand.

11

So they came up to Baalperazim; and David smote them there. Then David said, God hath broken in upon mine enemies by mine hand like the breaking forth of waters: therefore they called the name of that place Baalperazim. Baalperazim: that is, A place of breaches

12

And when they had left their gods there, David gave a commandment, and they were burned with fire.

13

And the Philistines yet again spread themselves abroad in the valley.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
David's naming the place 'Baal-perazim' (Lord of breakthroughs) memorializes God's intervention using water-breakthrough imagery. The statement 'God hath broken in upon mine enemies by mine hand like the breaking forth of waters' attributes victory to God while acknowledging human instrumentality. This theological balance - divine sovereignty and human agency - characterizes Reformed thought. David doesn't say 'I broke through' but recognizes himself as God's instrument. The water metaphor suggests overwhelming, irresistible force, echoing prophetic promises about God's Spirit being poured out. This points to Christ's decisive victory over Satan, sin, and death.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient warriors often memorialized battle sites with names reflecting theological interpretation (cf. Ebenezer, 'stone of help' in 1 Samuel 7:12). These place names served as permanent testimony to God's faithfulness, teaching subsequent generations about divine intervention in Israel's history.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you better memorialize and testify to God's 'breakthroughs' in your spiritual battles?
  2. Where do you need God to 'break forth like waters' against enemies (spiritual, not physical) in your life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וַיַּֽעֲל֥וּ1 of 23

So they came up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

בְּבַֽעַל2 of 23
H0
פְּרָצִֽים׃3 of 23

Baalperazim

H1188

baal-peratsim, a place in palestine

וַיַּכֵּ֣ם4 of 23

smote

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

שָׁ֣ם5 of 23
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

דָּוִ֔יד6 of 23

and David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר7 of 23

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִ֔יד8 of 23

and David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

פָּרַ֨ץ9 of 23

hath broken in

H6555

to break out (in many applications, direct and indirect, literal and figurative)

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֧ים10 of 23

God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֶת11 of 23
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֽוֹיְבַ֛י12 of 23

upon mine enemies

H341

hating; an adversary

בְּיָדִ֖י13 of 23

by mine hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

כְּפֶ֣רֶץ14 of 23

like the breaking forth

H6556

a break (literally or figuratively)

מָ֑יִם15 of 23

of waters

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

עַל16 of 23
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֵּ֗ן17 of 23
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

קָ֥רְא֛וּ18 of 23

therefore they called

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

שֵֽׁם19 of 23

the name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

הַמָּק֥וֹם20 of 23

of that place

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

הַה֖וּא21 of 23
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

בַּ֥עַל22 of 23
H0
פְּרָצִֽים׃23 of 23

Baalperazim

H1188

baal-peratsim, a place in palestine


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 14:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 14:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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